LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized “green” building certification. LEED certification standards lead to a safer, greener, cleaner and more energy efficient environment within the building where they are applied. With a certification process more than 25 years in the making, LEED has grown to become the most widely used green building rating system in the world. As a process, it offers third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at reducing energy and water usage, promoting better indoor air quality, and improving quality of life.

 

Third Party Verification System

As an internationally recognized third-party verification system, LEED influences how buildings and communities are planned, constructed, maintained and operated. In order for a building project to earn LEED Certification, it must meet certain criteria and goals within the following categories:

Location and Transportation – how close a project is to mass transit
Materials and Resources – use of locally sourced, sustainable products
Water Efficiency – reducing potable water usage
Energy and Atmosphere – improving energy performance and indoor air quality
Sustainable Sites – utilizing nearby natural resources and ecosystems that can naturally take part of the design, minimizing environmental pollution
Regional Priority Credits – addressing a particular concern based on location
Innovation – any idea not covered under the main LEED areas

Each of these credit categories contains a varied series of suggested opportunities. The building project earns points when it properly uses and integrates these opportunities. The LEED certification is applicable to both residential and commercial construction, and projects can earn one of four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

 

Image used with the permission of the U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. under its “Limited License” provision

 

Benefits Of LEED Certification

 

Any project, at any stage in development, can pursue LEED certification. Although LEED-certified projects typically have a higher initial investment because of stricter standards for construction, materials and labor, this initial investment can be recovered with lower operating costs. According to a study conducted by the New Building Institute, LEED buildings average a 24 percent decrease in energy consumption. In addition to reduced energy and water usage, LEED buildings also provide substantial reductions in costs associated with building maintenance, management of construction waste, and liability.

LEED-certified buildings also offer many other benefits. Typically built with occupant comfort in mind, these buildings offer increased sunlight, open spaces, and significantly better air quality, creating healthier, more comfortable, and very attractive places to live, work or play. For communities, having a LEED certified building not only reinforces the community’s commitment to sustainability, it also brings jobs to the community, since one of LEED’s best practices is utilizing local labor and materials wherever possible.

 

A Commitment to Sustainability
At Scranton Products, we believe in supporting a healthier environment and are focused on providing our customers innovative sustainable solutions that create a positive environmental impact.

 

Because our products are designed to meet specific LEED requirements, incorporating Scranton Products sustainable HDPE materials into your projects can contribute points toward LEED v4 certification in the following categories:

 

Material & Resources:

·    Recycled Content

·    REACH Optimization

·    Construction Waste Diversion

Indoor Air Quality:

·      Low Emitting Materials

·      Interior Lighting – Surface

·       Reflectance

 

For more information on our complete suite of sustainable products, please contact us to start a conversation today. All of our products are 100% recyclable and are made from recycled materials, incorporating between 30 and 85% recycled content, including both post-consumer and pre-consumer materials. In addition, our products are free of VOC emissions and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified.

 

Configured for Beauty and Privacy

When choosing toilet partitions privacy, aesthetics, and durable performance are just a few aspects that need to be considered, and selecting the right configuration is essential to the overall design of your public restroom facility.  At Scranton Products, we believe in responding to client needs with innovative, customizable solutions, and we offer a full range of features, options, and configurations to help you create exceptional bathroom designs.

One of the most important concerns in a public restroom is privacy and Scranton Products offers several partition options that can be configured to meet your facility’s privacy concerns. Our Aria™, Eclipse®, and Hiny Hiders® partitions have variable configurations that deliver contemporary looks and superior privacy. You can customize the partitions in many different ways to achieve the level of privacy you require, from a standard 55” height to a 72” height. Choose sleek, smooth, minimum-sight design options for the ultimate in privacy and clean aesthetics, or select from an array of floor-mounted overhead-braced, ceiling-hung, or floor-to-ceiling configurations.

Our innovative Aria Partitions™ offer the highest degree of privacy and aesthetics. This shoeless system provides overlapping edges, continuous edge mounted hinges and floor mounted side panels, resulting in a striking, high-privacy design. Our striking Eclipse Partitions® provide a minimum-sight design that also delivers superior privacy and innovative aesthetics, featuring sleek hidden hardware and high-privacy angled door edges. While our Hiny Hiders® product line offers a range of configurations, privacy, and hardware options, providing the flexibility to create highly attractive and customized restroom designs, while offering superior value.

 

Superior Performance

When your bathroom facility is ready for an update, design options and material choice are important factors. Whether it’s providing privacy, eco-friendly design, resistance to harsh environments, bacterial resistance, or easy maintenance, we offer a full range of features, options, and configurations to create the unique storage solutions you require.

All of our systems are made with HDPE, and feature solid-core construction that is impermeable to moisture and resistant to mold, mildew and bacteria. They are also extremely durable and sustainable, manufactured from 100% recyclable materials. Made with a solid color throughout, there is never a need to paint these partitions, significantly reducing maintenance time and cost, and enhancing interior air quality.

To learn more about our high-quality toilet partitions and the range of configurations available, visit our website to download more detailed information on our complete product line. 

 

There are plenty of benefits to performing much-needed updates to your commercial facility, especially when it comes to the bathroom. The bathroom in your facility is often frequented by the occupants, so you’ll want to take the necessary steps to not only make it more inviting, but you’ll also want to think ahead down the road when choosing the right materials.

Here are the top 3 things to consider before updating your commercial facility.

Improving Occupant Privacy & Comfort

Privacy is a crucial element in commercial facility restroom. Coworkers can be friendly and affable, but when it’s in the bathroom, privacy is a necessary factor. The most common complaint heard about workplace restrooms is not necessarily a lack of privacy, but there is a room for improvement. Most toilet partitions feature door gaps, as well as exposed feet and ceiling room that can be problematic for the taller occupants. These sightlines can add to the discomfort of using the bathroom.

Using better partitions is necessary for achieving higher privacy. HDPE plastic partitions can reduce these unnecessary sightlines, with clasp doors and customizable frames. Privacy doesn’t have to be a foreign concept when it comes to your commercial bathroom.

Getting a Step Ahead of the Elements

Due to the ever-present humidity and moisture in restrooms, there can be negative consequences if you choose the wrong materials. Most toilet partitions, like Phenolic, feature a paper core. Over time, the core can become drenched. When left unchecked, it’ll start sprouting mold spores, which not only adds a pungent odor to your restroom, but it can contribute to respiratory issues.

HDPE plastic partitions are a solid construction with no inner paper core. They won’t absorb the moisture and they can stand up to the constant barrage of humidity. You’ll be free from worry about unwanted mold and mildew.

Reducing Maintenance Costs

One of biggest and most costly issues that facility managers have to deal with is maintenance. Commercial facility restrooms usually require considerable maintenance, which leads to high costs and a significant amount of time and effort. Replacing partitions and meticulously scrubbing the floors and walls are no fun, so why not get ahead of the costly maintenance by using the right materials?

When you utilize HDPE plastic partitions, you’ll essentially reduce your maintenance costs and man hours. Due to the durability and non-absorbent qualities of this plastic, you won’t have to worry about any considerable repairs or replacements. In fact, HDPE plastic partitions are built to last and are warranted for up to 25 years. You’ll certainly enjoy the many benefits of this high-quality, reliable, and low-cost maintenance partitions in your commercial facility restroom.

Want to learn more about the right tactics with updating your commercial bathroom? Download this free eBook, The Professional’s Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels, from your friends at Scranton Products!

According to the U.S., Environmental Protection Agency, over ninety-percent of our time is spent indoors. Now more than ever, people want to know that they are living and working in a healthy environment. They demand to know the products surrounding them are safe, how they were made, and from what type of materials.

The New Normal

While we have not always taken additional steps to ensure our well being through awareness, it is fast becoming the norm. Environmental safety (both indoors and out) is topping the list as a priority.

Over the years, building product transparency has changed from a mere movement to a necessity within the construction industry. And as the demand for clean and healthier living grows, so does the need for greater transparency in building products and materials.

The benefits are clearly four-fold. Building owners are looking for ways to make buildings healthier for occupants. Architects are now identifying building products that are healthy, sustainable and environmentally friendly, enabling them to make informed decisions when specifying products and materials. Manufacturers can effectively market their products, and owners and occupants are gaining insight into how healthy and environmentally friendly their buildings – and the materials within them – are.

A Leader in Product Transparency

With a 30-year history in sustainable product development and production, Scranton Products has long led the way in meeting the demand for product transparency.

All of our products – including each of our locker lines, bathroom partitions, vanities and other HDPE products – are manufactured in the USA from American-made solid HDPE (high-density polyethylene), using recycled materials containing both pre- and post-consumer content. Free of VOC emissions, all of our products are eligible for LEED credits, and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meeting strict certification requirements for use in schools and healthcare facilities. In addition, all of our products are 100% recyclable and are available in 100% post-consumer material.

At Scranton Products, we have always been committed to supporting a healthier environment. If you would like to find out more about our low emitting products that meet both GREENGUARD emissions standards as well as LEED requirements for air quality and sustainability, please click on the link below.

If you’re planning to renovate some areas of your facility and you’re considering a makeover of your restrooms, you’ll want to utilize the best materials and design implementations to craft a unique and positive restroom experience. There are plenty of design tactics to open the space up a little bit more and make it more warm and welcoming. However, when it comes to choosing your toilet partitions, you’ll want to make the right decision that will benefit you, your occupants, and your facility’s restroom.

Here’s the top three reasons you should choose Aria Partitions™ for your restroom makeover.

Boosting Your Restroom’s Style

Having a stylish bathroom will certainly appeal to the occupants in your facility, adding an extra dose of comfort where most people feel vulnerable. Aria Partitions™ offer a sleek appearance. Aria Partitions™ are customizable and can be tailored to fit any design pattern or layout. They offer seven unique panel designs, 17 door designs, as well as 27 different colors and textures. You get to choose your preferred style to go with the theme and aesthetics of your new stylish restroom.

Improving on the Privacy for Your Occupants

Privacy is a huge factor to consider with your restroom, especially when it comes to choosing the partitions. Most toilet partitions have a few design flaws that can add to a discomfort of the occupant through exposed feet and ceiling areas, showcasing clear visibility that someone is in the stall. The doors even feature gaps that make the occupant slightly visible from certain angles, so improving the privacy is key.

Aria Partitions™ offer the utmost privacy. These partitions offer an enclosed bathroom experience, where occupants don’t have to worry about sightlines that make them visible to other people in the restroom.

Cutting Down on Maintenance Costs

One of the best reasons to choose Aria Partitions™ for your restroom makeover is due to the low maintenance that these partitions require. Aria Partitions™ are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) solid plastic, which can withstand the humidity and moisture in your restroom. These two factors contribute heavily to the wear of standard partitions because they soak the inner paper core and sprout mold, which leads to foul odors and the possibility of negative health effects. Since HDPE is solid, there’s no paper core that’s susceptible to mold growth, meaning you don’t have to replace them.

The partitions are also durable. They’re resistant to impacts, dents, and scratches, so you don’t have to worry about any cosmetic issues with the doors or frames. HDPE is also non-absorbent, so you don’t have to worry about repainting if graffiti shows up since it can be easily wiped clean.

When it’s time to find a lasting material for your restroom makeover, Aria Partitions™ are the perfect choice.

Conducting renovations and remodels in your school is important when you need to replace certain materials, fixtures, or components. When it comes to your bathroom, you’ll need to use the right materials to ensure that they’ll be able to last in the sometimes-hostile environment that a school restroom can be due to the moisture and humidity. This is especially true when it involves your toilet partitions.

Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right bathroom partitions for your school.

Choosing a Stronger Material

When it’s time to replace your toilet partitions, you’ll want to make sure that you’re using a strong and durable material that can withstand the elements, as well as rough handling. Phenolic is a commonly used material for toilet partitions because they’re sleek, light, and has a strong screw retention. However, due to the light frame of Phenolic, it can endure some surface damage, so you’ll want a stronger and more reliable material.

Combatting the Restroom Elements

School restrooms are almost always moist, which can have drastic effects on your toilet partitions. Due to the constant humidity, the inner paper-core can become drenched. Over time, this can begin to sprout mold, which can lead to foul odors and lead to respiratory issues. Once mold growth is spotted, the entire partition needs to be replaced. To stay ahead of this, you’ll want to find a material that is solid all the way through and can’t absorb the moisture.

Reducing the Cost of Maintenance

Excessive maintenance on your restroom partitions is never fun. Whether you’ve to tighten the screws, adjust the hardware, or paint over graffiti regularly, you’ll notice that the costs and the man hours go up. Choosing a reliable material that can help you reduce your maintenance costs will not only save you money, but the materials will essentially pay for themselves after a few years.

Keep Privacy in Mind

Privacy is always an important factor when it comes to restrooms. Most toilet partitions leave certain areas exposed through door gaps and open spaces at the tops and bottoms of the stall. These sightlines can effectively be avoided by using more privacy-oriented toilet partitions.

Using HDPE Plastic Partitions

When it’s time to get serious about getting the right partitions for your school, HDPE plastic is always a reliable material to use. This solid plastic provides a more durable structure that can stand up to humidity, moisture, and graffiti. There are plenty of styles and options that can be customized to fit the décor of your school’s restroom. HDPE plastic partitions are guaranteed to last for up to 25 years, which saves you on replacement costs. You can rest easy knowing that you’ll have reliable, durable, cost-effective, and sustainable toilet partitions in your restroom.

When it’s time to consider new toilet partitions, go with an option that will not only exceed your expectations, but one that will last you the years. Want to learn more about HDPE toilet partitions and styles? Check out this FREE eBook, Choosing Bathroom Materials¸ from your friends at Scranton Products.

It’s funny to notice the differences between America and European. There’s different cuisine, a different culture, and even different toilets. Facility managers can benefit greatly by learning about the differences in toilets and bathroom amenities that are found all throughout Europe. Some of these differences may leave you rethinking your facility’s restrooms and inspired to change the experience altogether.

Here’s the five major differences between American and European toilets.

Flushing & Water Usage

American toilets feature a single handle when it’s time to flush. The feature works fine; however, Europe has a few variations on flushing that may pique your interests. Older toilets found in European bathrooms feature a pull chain that’s mounted about the actual toilet that requires the occupant to pull when finished. However, the newer toilets feature a dual-flush system. The toilets feature two different handles that offer varying water and water pressure, depending on the amount of waste, which can actually help conserve water.

Post-Use Sanitation

In America, toilet stalls feature mounted toilet paper dispensers for occupants to clean themselves once they’re finished. In Europe, toilet paper is certainly an option for sanitation, but most occupants overseas prefer to use the bidet for cleaning themselves post toilet use. Bidets feature a mounted spout that sprays water when the occupant is in place and able to press a button. This cuts down on paper usage, but Americans may not be on board with this quite yet.

Toilet Types

Americans have the standard toilet bowl and urinal in restrooms, while Europeans have a few varying options. Squat toilets, found in southern and eastern Europe, are essentially a hole in the floor. The rest of Europe features the toilets similar to those found in America.

As for the urinals, American bathrooms feature rows of urinals divided by privacy partitions. European bathrooms don’t feature individual urinals. Instead, there’s a trough that can accommodate several occupants at once. While it may save on water usages with just one drain, it can make tourists a bit uncomfortable.

Costs of Using the Toilet

Public restrooms in America don’t require a payment for use, but the “customers only” rule may apply. Some public restrooms in Europe actually require a fee to use the toilet. The fee is usually 1.5 Euros to gain access to the restroom.

Partitions & Privacy

While almost all toilets around the globe are private, there are noticeable differences between American and European toilet partitions. American partitions offer a good deal of privacy, but the exposed feet and top, combined with the sight lines between the door and frame, may make some occupants a bit uncomfortable. European toilets offer exceptional privacy because instead of a thin partition, it’s actually an enclosed stall. This trend is starting to make its way overseas with Scranton Products Aria Partitions®.

Adapting Your Restroom to Bring the Best of Both Worlds

Now that you’re aware of some of the notable differences between American and European toilets and bathrooms, you can perhaps come up with some ideas of how you can improve the restroom in your facility. While you may not want to choose the squatting toilet, you can probably take notes of the privacy offered by European restrooms and bring it your facility for an improved experience for the occupants.

 

Want to learn some helpful tips and tricks on renovating your facility’s restroom? Check out these eBooks, The Professionals Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels & Choosing Bathroom Materials, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Creating gender-neutral bathrooms has been a pretty heated debate in recent years as a part of the gender equality movement. If you’re a facility manager and have received requests for a gender-neutral bathroom in your building, there are a lot of factors to go over in order to make your occupants happy. Luckily, there are a few options that you can consider to appease your buildings occupants and make them feel welcomed, regardless of their gender.

Consider a Single-Occupancy Set Up

Going for the single-occupant bathrooms can help make every occupant feel comfortable without making them choose a specific restroom to utilize, regardless of what gender they identify as. Single-occupant restrooms are a great mediation because it appeals to everybody and provides adequate comfort and privacy to every occupant throughout the day.

While single-occupancy restrooms can be ideal, they pose an issue in that you’ll need to create these bathrooms rather than repurpose an old one. This involves considerable work and materials to make single-unit restrooms. It would also take a bit of time, which may cause issues during the work week.

Choosing a Gender-Neutral Restroom

Changing your current restrooms into gender-neutral ones can be relatively easy; however, there may be a bit of maintenance involved when it comes to changing some of the fixtures and partitions. Not every occupant will be comfortable with the shared restroom, but there are certain steps to take to ensure as much comfort and privacy as possible. You should also leave some bathrooms untouched, as some occupants may feel uncomfortable.

Focus on Privacy & Comfort

Privacy is a huge factor to consider when making your bathrooms gender neutral. The best way to ensure total privacy is picking out the right partitions. There are several options available, but you’ll also want to go for an option that not only offers a great deal or privacy, but one that can last through the elements and require very little maintenance. You may want to consider Aria Partitions.

Aria Partitions are made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which is a durable solid plastic. These full-height toilet partitions feature hidden hardware and hinges that help provide higher privacy by reducing sightlines in the doors, and blocking the view both above and below the stall. These partitions can easily be customized to fit any restroom design, and they can be tailored for ADA compliance.

The Benefits of Choosing Aria Partitions®

Other than providing a comfortable and private stall for occupants of all genders, Aria Partitions have several notable advantages when compared to other partitions. They’re made from HDPE, which is a highly durable plastic that is impact, scratch, and even graffiti resistant. These plastic partitions are even impermeable to humidity and moisture, so they can essentially ward off any mold growth. Lastly, these partitions are sustainable because not only are they made from partial post-consumer materials, but they’re also 100% recyclable.

If you’re considering making the move toward all-gender bathrooms, you may want to consider choosing Aria Partitions™ to get started. To learn more about these partitions, you should read this blog post, Aria Partitions: Enhanced Comfort & Privacy, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Heading to a museum can be a great experience. Whether you’re admiring work from classic artists from centuries ago, exploring historic artifacts from early American history, or being astonished by the size of animals who walked the earth before us, you’re certainly in for a memorable experience. Sometimes, the greatest sites aren’t always the exhibits. A lot of museums across the country tailor the entire museum experience to impress the visitors, even when they sneak off to use the bathroom.

Here’s a few of the best museum bathrooms in the US:

The Field Museum

1400 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL The Field Museum in Chicago is a great place to check out some impressive pieces of natural history. Whether you’re interested in seeing Sue the Tyrannosaurus, ancient Egyptian tombs, or even rare jewels and gems, you’re certainly in for a great time. When nature calls, though, you’ll be in store for a great experience with their sophisticated restroom. It features two large family-friendly restrooms on the first floor, complete with sustainable stalls and sinks with eco-friendly hand dryers. The ceiling features a cut-out circle that shows a beautiful painted sky.

OdySea Aquarium

9500 East Via de Ventura A-100, Scottsdale, AZ It’s always fun heading to the aquarium, but when it’s OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, you’re in for a treat. This aquarium features more than two million gallons of water with 50 different exhibits that’s home to more than 30,000 animals. When it’s time to go to the restroom, you won’t have to sacrifice your experience because it features viewing into the shark habitat in place of a mirror. The restroom offers a clean and smooth design with cozy and private stalls. But when you’re ready to wash your hands, you’ll be able to see the variety of shark species swimming by.

Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA If you’re a nature lover and you’re in the Philadelphia area, you may want to check out Longwood Gardens. You’ll get to see the beautifully constructed gardens that encompass expert landscape architecture and a variety of exotic plants. The inside features a Green Wall, loaded with thriving plants that surround the 17 different restrooms. These single-unit bathrooms provide exceptional privacy and space while incorporating natural light into the restrooms.

How to Upgrade Your Commercial Restroom

Not every restroom is a piece of artwork, but you can take a lot of steps to improve the experience for the occupants in your facility. To make your restroom unique and interesting, you can easily consult an interior designer. However, when it comes to utilizing materials, you’ll want to make the right decision.

You’ll want to choose durable and sustainable materials that not only improve the appearance of your restroom, but reduce damage and maintenance costs. Materials like HDPE solid plastic can be used for partitions and vanities, especially since this solid plastic is low maintenance. It’s even impact-, dent-, and graffiti-resistant, making it one of the more reliable and long-lasting materials when it comes to choosing the toilet partitions for your facility.

Want to learn more about how to improve the bathrooms in your facility? Check out this free eBook, The Professional’s Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels, from your friends at Scranton Products.

When it’s time to think about renovating your school’s restrooms, you’ve got a lot to think about. As a facility manager, you make the calls of what materials to use, how to replace the fixtures, and any layout changes that may make the restroom seem more spacious and inviting. This is also your chance to update your schools restroom partitions.

Here’s a few tips on getting new school restroom partitions that you can utilize when it’s time to start remodeling your school’s restrooms.

Improve Student Privacy

When using the restroom, there’s a certain degree of privacy that’s expected. However, depending on the partitions in your school’s restroom, privacy may not always be guaranteed. You’ll want to think about the open spaces from the partition to the floor, and even the top of the partition to the ceiling. A crucial, but often overlooked aspect is the sightlines with the door. The hinges sometimes create a slight gap, which may not seem like much, but to an occupant in the restroom, it’s enough to cause discomfort.

Use More Durable Materials

Using the right materials in your school’s restrooms are important. Not only will the doors be slammed shut periodically, but there are other factors, like moisture and humidity, that can contribute to early wear. Using highly durable materials can help you combat the elements and the hits that partitions can take.

Go for Low Maintenance

Regular maintenance is important when it comes to the restrooms in your school. However, to make your workload and life easier, choose partition materials that are low maintenance. A material that doesn’t require repainting, screw and hinge replacement, or rust removal is ideal for the restroom environment. By choosing a low-maintenance material for your partitions, you’ll save time and money, and you can focus your efforts elsewhere.

Think Long-Term & Sustainable

When you buy new toilet partitions, you’ll want to choose a material that can last. You may want to consider buying a sustainable material that not only can be recycled, but one that actually comes from recycled material. Inching towards sustainability can have a variety of benefits for your school and your budget.

Choose HDPE Solid Plastic Materials

One material that has been utilized in schools restrooms is HDPE solid plastic. This sustainable and recyclable material is highly durable. It’s resistant to impacts, cracks, and surface abrasions. This plastic also results in a softer noise when being closed, even forcibly. A major benefit to choosing HDPE over other materials is its ability to withstand the moisture and humidity in your restroom.

If you have a partition material with an inner core made from kraft paper or cardboard, it can become soaked and sprout mold over time. Since HDPE is a solid plastic, it can resist mold growth and put off a costly replacement. Choosing HDPE plastic is a wise investment because this plastic will last through the years and require very little maintenance.

In this post, you learned all about the important factors that you need to consider when choosing your school’s restroom partitions. You also learned that HDPE plastic is a great choice to install in the restrooms in your school. Want to learn more about the benefits of choosing HDPE plastic for your school’s toilet partitions? Check out this eBook, The Professional’s Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels, from us at Scranton Products.